Ouellette would replace the helicopter with a remote-controlled drone and sock the extra cash into funding of programs to address the issue of missing and murdered aboriginal women.

“Some of the funds for these programs could be allocated from within existing budgets,” Ouellette said near the Odeena Circle at The Forks on Sunday. “I would ground the police helicopter because I do not think it is the best use of the city’s resources. For the $1.5 million a year that it costs to operate, the helicopter is in the air less than three hours a day and has resulted in only 200 arrests.”